Presence

We will develop projects to expand the UC Davis-Chile footprint through collaborative regional impact.

Research Lines

The UC Davis-Chile Life Sciences Innovation Center will sponsor collaborative research that is defined by the needs of industry. The Center has undertaken extensive consultation to identify problems that the Chilean agricultura sector faces that align with research expertise to develop science-based solutions.

The initial three lines of research are the Genome Analytics; Microbial Detection; and Climate Change Prediction and Adaptation. These research lines will address issues of plant pathogen detection, genetic identification of nursery stocks and water use efficiency under changing climactic conditions.

Map of Chile

ARICA AND PARINACOTA REGION

Agro-Climate Technologies

UCDavis together with the University of Tarapacá and in collaboration with the Universidad de Talca, will generate predictive climate change models in the Chilean context, so that the agricultural sector may make better decisions according to the type of crops and precautions in rendering productivity. Some of these measures include determining locations for accomplishing determined agricultural business endeavors, and the development of technologies for the efficient use of water according to climate variations. This project, apart from increasing productivity, will allow the optimization of water resources for cultivation of winegrape in Chile.

MAULE REGION

Plant pathogen detection

UCDavis together with the University of Talca and in collaboration with the University of Andrés Bello, are developing a technological platform that allows the detection and quantification of pathogens, principally wood fungi and viruses in plants in the early stages of development, prior to the display of symptoms. The result of this project will be the ability to rely on tools that provide pest-free plants which can be used for the production of serving grapes and wine grapes in the Chilean farms; consequently increasing productivity and educing post harvest loss for the Chilean industry.

METROPOLITAN REGION OF SANTIAGO

Whole Genome Analytics

UCDavis together with the University of Andrés Bello are developing a technological platform focused on determining a genetic thumbprint specific to winegrape clones. This project will allow us to identify purity of the material, as well as the mix of geenetic backgrounds that could be utilized in the Chilean wine industry. Additionally, this project aims to evaluate and display new rootstocks compatible with the soil and environmental conditions of Chile, with the objective of diversifies the resistance to disease , dehydration and salinity. This project, apart from increasing productivity, will allow the optimization of processes to obtain new and improved plant varieties in Chile.